MINI Zippo Lighter Restoration

I received a tiny, dirty Zippo lighter and set out to restore it to its former glory. I carefully disassembled the miniature device, separating the outer and inner cases, and removed the flint wheel and spring. Using a sandblaster with fine glass beads and low air pressure, I cleaned the outer case, then ground it with 1000‑grit sandpaper to prepare it for polishing with a tiny polishing machine, achieving an ultra‑mirror shine. The inner case was cleaned by hand with a toothbrush, hot water, and soap, and then polished with a mini drill machine to a mirror finish. I plated a 24‑carat gold layer onto the base lid and bottom case, and custom engraved a cute hippo on the bottom case and the word “Hippo” on the lid. After reassembling the lighter, I added a new wick, cotton balls, flint, and premium Zippo fluid, completing the restoration.